AT&T, eMusic to offer DRM-free mobile downloads?
updated 02:15 pm EDT, Wed July 25, 2007
AT&T/eMusic partnership
AT&T and eMusic are said to be on the verge of launching new mobile download service, one which may have significant impact on the industry. According to an anonymous source, this service will be launching on July 31st, and allow customers to download five tracks a month for $7.49 -- most likely without DRM, in keeping with eMusic's policies elsewhere. Many mobile download services exert tight control on their files, making it difficult or impossible to copy them to other devices as desired. A popular DRM-free alternative could sway competitors.
Access to the eMusic service is expected to be limited, however: the only compatible phones are said to be Samsung's A707, A717 and A727, as well as Nokia's N75. Furthermore, regular data rates should apply on top of the eMusic fee, making downloads potentially very expensive. [via Boy Genius Report]
